Some more questions....

[maddog7]

Hey all,

Just a few more questions.

Does using something like gaviscon cause the same problems with B12 absorbtion as those associated with PPI's?

Does anyone know if stopping the use of proton pump inhibitors will restore B12 absorbtion or is the damaged caused permanent?

Does anyone know if using Ibuprofen topical gel carries the same risk as taking tablets?

Many thanks again.

David

[fbirder]

You need stomach acid to, amongst other things, release dietary B12 from the proteins it is bound to.

Antacids, like Gaviscon, neutralise any acid present in the stomach. If you take it a sufficiently long time after eating then the acid should have had time to do its job.

PPIs shut down acid production. It doesn't matter when you take them, there will be little, or no, acid present when you eat your food. So the B12 will remain bound to protein and unabsorbable.

Last year I was suspected of having an NSAID-induced gastric bleed. My gastroenterologist told me that topical creams were just as bad as pills.